X Factor: Cheryl to replace Nicole Scherzinger next year?

Cheryl could be back on The X Factor as a full time judge next year.

Ahead of judges’ houses this weekend – where Cheryl will join Simon Cowell as his guest mentor – the singer has hinted she may soon be ready for another comeback.

Cheryl first joined the show in 2008 before leaving in 2011 for the American version. The new mum then returned in 2014 before departing again last year.

Speaking from judges’ houses, Cheryl and Simon both suggested a third stint could be on the cards – but only after enjoying an extended maternity leave.

Cheryl explained: “I want to be with Bear a little bit longer. It has just been me and him and I’m just loving being a mother at the moment. He is only six months old.

“I’ve got time – I’ve got that luxury lifestyle and some mothers don’t have that luxury and have to get back to work. I’m just taking it as I can but I do love the show.”

In an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper, Simon added: “We’ll consider it.

“Let’s wait till the end of the show… maybe they (Nicole and Sharon) don’t want come back… let’s see what happens, I wouldn’t rule anything out.”

The speculation follows rumours that Nicole Scherzinger may quit The X Factor next year.

The Pusscycat Doll singer has been on the show for a total of four series to date, joining the panel for the latest time last year in place of Cheryl.

However a return in 2018 may not be on the cards.

“I haven’t signed yet, I’m just trying to get through this year. If I didn’t come back, it’s because I’m a singer first,” Nicole told The Sun newspaper earlier this year. “I’m sitting there telling people what they should be doing when I should be doing it.

“I still have a lot of things I want to achieve, musically.”

The X Factor 2017 judges’ houses airs Saturday at 8:20PM and Sunday at 7PM on ITV.